In a formal dining room a properly placed and sized chandelier can provide a brilliant focal point. The chandelierís diameter should be approximately 1/2 of the width of the dining room table with the bottom of the chandelier hanging approximately 30 to 36 inches above the table.

With the addition of wall sconces, installed slightly above eye level, youíll get significant ambient lighting. When placed to either side of a buffet or side table these wall mounted lights will also provide some task lighting for the serving of food.

Should your dining room need to also serve as a homework setting for the kids or a place for you to pay the bills, make sure that there is sufficient lighting for those tasks. By using dimmers in combination with well placed lighting fixtures, your dining room can be brightened up for non-dining tasks and dimmed down to create a warm and romantic atmosphere.